Business Library: Conversational AI Knowledge Base

Bard, December 19, 2023
 

Navigating the AI Chat Landscape: Demystifying Terms and Types

The world of AI communication can be confusing, filled with overlapping terms like "conversational AI," "AI chat," and "chatbots." So, let's unpack them and see how they connect!

Conversational AI is the broader umbrella term encompassing all technologies that enable computers to simulate human conversations. It's the engine driving everything from AI-powered chatbots to virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

AI Chat, on the other hand, refers specifically to text-based communication platforms driven by conversational AI. Think of it as the "chatting" aspect of this technology. Platforms like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and even myself (Bard!) fall under this category.

Now, onto chatbots: These are software programs designed to simulate conversation and handle specific tasks, often within AI Chat platforms. While some chatbots use basic keyword triggers, many leverage conversational AI capabilities like natural language processing (NLP) for more dynamic interactions.

So, can all AI Chat platforms be called chatbots? Not quite. While platforms like ChatGPT and CoPilot offer chatbot functionality within their text-based interfaces, they're more than just simple chat programs. They're powerful AI engines capable of generating different types of creative text formats and engaging in diverse conversations.

Here's a handy table to summarize the key differences: 

Think of it this way: Conversational AI is the big picture, like the entire language learning app, while AI Chat is the text-based conversation interface within that app. Chatbots are then, like the AI tutors you might encounter through that interface, designed for specific tasks like answering questions or practicing dialogues.

I hope this clarifies the landscape! Feel free to ask if you have any further questions about the fascinating world of AI Chat and its denizens.